The government wants the African Union (AU) to lead broader discussions examining the root causes of irregular migration, including economic hardship, conflict and insecurity that drive people to leave their home countries. The initiative follows weeks of protests demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants and reports of attacks against some foreign nationals.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said Wednesday that South Africa is advocating for a coordinated continental response that also considers migration pressures elsewhere in Africa, including the recent mass border crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where more than 80 people died.
Regional Leaders Expected to Discuss Migration
Migration is expected to feature prominently during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit later this month in Durban, where leaders from countries including Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are scheduled to attend.
Those countries have been repatriating some of their citizens from South Africa following recent unrest and rising anti-immigration sentiment.
South Africa’s call for broader discussions follows the African Union’s decision last week to reject a proposal by Ghana to place South Africa’s migration tensions on the agenda of the bloc’s October coordination meeting. Pretoria argued that such a move would unfairly single out one country instead of addressing migration challenges affecting multiple regions across Africa.
Lamola said he recently held discussions with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and representatives of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu as part of diplomatic efforts surrounding the issue.
According to Lamola, future talks should examine the economic, political and security factors driving irregular migration throughout the continent.
Domestic Protests Continue
Anti-illegal immigration groups have continued holding demonstrations across South Africa, demanding stronger border security, faster deportations and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Organizers have pledged to stage protests every Thursday until their demands are addressed.
The demonstrations have also raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, with some migrants reporting violent attacks during the unrest.
Government figures show that approximately 68,000 people were repatriated between June and July. Officials said most were citizens of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, although authorities have not distinguished between voluntary departures and formal deportations.
Border Management Measures Adjusted
South Africa’s Border Management Agency has also reduced the capacity of its temporary repatriation facility in Musina, near the Beitbridge border crossing with Zimbabwe, from 20,000 people to 1,500.
The move comes as authorities continue reviewing border management operations while balancing domestic political pressure, humanitarian concerns and relations with neighboring countries.
Although South Africa hopes to elevate migration policy discussions to the African Union level, no continent-wide meeting has yet been scheduled.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
